Keara's Mask

Tribute Competition

Well, my first official duty as a dance mom started today. Kailei had her first competition. We got up at 5 AM and we were on the road by 6.

The name of the competition was called Tribute. That's about all I know about it. There seemed like there were lots of girls there, lots of teams competing.

She started the day off going second with her team doing their tap routine. Wasn't the best I've ever seen. They're just not used to having such a big stage to work so their lines were off but they still looked okay. After they finished and I told Kailei it was time to change she said, "What?! I thought I was just the warm-up."

Mid morning they did lyrical dance. Looked good to me but maybe I'm biased.

The morning was for the small-group competitions and so they presented awards. I don't understand any of the judging. It seems like Starbucks to me where they don't have a small, medium, and large. Same with dance. It didn't seem to have a first, second or third. However both lyrical and tap made the top 10 which I hear is good.

We went out lunch and then came back for Kailei to do her jazz routine. Now this apparently is a large group competition. Again, I thought they looked good but what do I know? That dance made the top 10 as well. I don't really know how they went but I do know that Kailei had a good time so that is what's most important for us.

We didn't get home till 830 at night which made for a very long day. I used to say I didn't want to be a soccer mom because they had to stay on the soccer fields every Saturday morning. However soccer is looking good compared to this long day. I hope the next few competitions don't make you stay quite so long. All in all it was a good experience and I survived it.

Family Birthday Party

Today was Keara's family birthday party. We had invited everyone over for lunch along with birthday festivities.  Keara is sometimes funny. She does not like to be the center of attention and so often these days are hard for her. She stated more than once that she felt kind of greedy getting presents.  It is sweet but I assured her it really was just about us celebrating what a wonderful person she is.

She requested a cake with Hawaiian flowers on it this year and once again the person's who has done her cake for the last 12 years came through. Keara was given some nice gifts. She was also given that little sum of money so we can take her shopping. I think she enjoyed the day overall. 

Dancing Queen

Today was Kailei's first official dance performance. I think I was more nervous than she was because I really have no clue what's going on. Our day started at 8:30am.

We woke up and headed over to Highlands Ranch high school for our technical dress rehearsal. Keara joined me which is not only good company but she is the only one who can fix Kailei's hair the right way.

Today's performance was a benefit for the Children's Hospital. At some point we had to decorate some shoeboxes which I promptly forgot to turn in to them last week. I guess I missed that email. The boxes are given to the children into the hospital so they have a place for their belongings. The boxes were also used to decorate the stage so it was a reminder for me. I sent Zeb a text and as usual he came to the rescue and brought them to the school. 

After dress rehearsal we went out and grabbed a little lunch. I don't think the girls were as hungry as they were tired. So with some time to kill I drove around town so they could have a little nap.

Grandma, Grammy and Poppy joined us for the performance. It was really a lot of fun. I finally got to sit in the audience and just relax. Kailei did a great job. We were also proud of her.

Topped off our day by eating at the Olive Garden. And then we went home and crashed. It was a very long day.

13!

We are kicking off the 13th birthday celebration tonight by having a girls night.   Kailei, Grandma, Grammy, Sam and I started our night at the nail salon.  Everyone had a manicure and Keara got a set of acrylic nails for the first time. It was what she really wanted so I couldn't disappoint her. She chose to paint them bright orange. I think she really liked them.

After our nails were done we all headed over to Sweet tomatoes for dinner. It's one of Keara's favorite restaurants (and one of mine too).

Our last stop was Park Meadows Mall. Keara got a little makeover and we bought some make up so we're ready for the special occasions. We walked around the mall looking at shoes and jewelry until it finally closed. It was a great evening. 

Proud Parents

Today Keara got inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. We are so very excited for her and so very proud.

Go Broncos!!!

MWCC Chinese New Year Party

Well, it was snowing today so that meant it was time to have the MWCC Chinese new year party. Seems we can't seem to have it without snow. The good news is that it didn't stop us from having a good time.

We had a good time decorating the clubhouse, listening to Chinese music, distributing red envelopes and eating lots of good Chinese food. Of course the best part of it is the company. Kids are getting so big. Hard to believe we've been doing this ever since they have been home from China. Sheryl  pointed out that it will be 10 years next year. Yikes! 

The group  was very kind to present me with some gift certificates to a number of places that I enjoy. It was given as a thank you for organizing all the events that we do but it really is a labor of love and was certainly not necessary. Their thoughtfulness however was much appreciated.

Here's hoping the year of the horse is a good one.